A50175:18
Winter meditations directions how to employ the leisure of the winter for the glory…
Winter meditations directions how to employ the leisure of the winter for the glory of God : accompanied with reflections as well historical as theological, not only upon the circumstances of winter, but also upon the notable works of God, both in creation and Providence ... / by Cotton Mather ; with a preface of John Higginson.
Boston: printed by Benj. Harris, 1693
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
TO THE READER,
IT is one of the Heavenly Counsels of Aged Pard to Young T••oth•, which reacheth to all Ministers and Christians in all Ages.
[1 Tim. 4.7.] Exercise thy self unto Godliness. Now that is done by a frequent practice of those Duties, which have a Tendency to the promoting of the Power of Godliness, in our selves and others; and which through the Blessing of God, will not fail to attain that End: amongst which there are none more useful than Meditation, Self-Examination and Secret Prayer: These are not only Enjoined by the Word, but Confirmed by the Experience of all the Saints, bearing witness to this great Truth, that there is no maintaining the Life and Power of Godliness without a diligent practice and frequent Exercise of the fore named Holy Duties; and therefore any Contribution of help towards any of these, and in particular that of Meditation, deserveth a thankful acceptance from all the People of God.
[1 Tim. 4.7.] Exercise thy self unto Godliness. Now that is done by a frequent practice of those Duties, which have a Tendency to the promoting of the Power of Godliness, in our selves and others; and which through the Blessing of God, will not fail to attain that End: amongst which there are none more useful than Meditation, Self-Examination and Secret Prayer: These are not only Enjoyned by the Word, but Confirmed by the Experience of all the Saints, bearing witness to this great Truth, that there is no maintaining the Life and Power of Godliness without a diligent practice and frequent Exercise of the fore named Holy Duties; and therefore any Contribution of help towards any of these, and in particular that of Meditation, deserveth a thankful acceptance from all the People of God.